Coaching change has Larry Fitzgerald 'in prove-it mode' again

The Arizona Cardinals begin their first voluntary minicamp of the offseason with new coach Steve Wilks and his staff. With the change in staff comes changes on offense. There is a new quarterback, a new offense and receiver Larry Fitzgerald, despite entering his 15th season, feels the sense of urgency.

After contemplating retirement in the offseason, he is all-in and ready to show the new staff what he has to offer. He revels in the feeling of not being in his comfort zone.

“They’ve seen tape. They know what I’ve done in the past, but they haven’t seen it themselves. Every job is open, you’re fighting again, scrapping trying to earn a keep.”

This does seem a bit ridiculous coming from a future Hall of Famer, but despite his previous accomplishments, he is learning what his role in the offense will be. Bruce Arians challenged him by moving him to the slot. It is possible he will move around less than he did the last few seasons.

That challenge has him, at 34 years old, feeling quite young.

“I like that feeling that I have right now,” he explained. “It’s like going to college freshman year cutting my teeth trying to earn a spot.”

He clearly doesn’t need to battle to make the team and earn a spot on the roster. He already has a spot secured and he will be a starter and the No. 1 receiver option.

But this feeling of trying to earn his keep might be enough to keep him playing with the Cardinals for more than just this season.